News / National
Accident victims' relatives want govt charged
12 Apr 2017 at 06:30hrs | Views
The Mvuma accident victims' relatives say they want the government charged for negligently failing to provide adequate emergency infrastructure along the country's highways.
Fortune Mandipia, who lost his niece in the accident and is currently footing medical bills for his sister, Angeline Sibiya, said the government's failure to ensure the availability of rapid response emergency units and good roads, is criminal and, therefore, authorities should be charged.
Mandipia said the fire, which reduced both vehicles to shells, could have been contained if the government had adequate emergency service units nearby.
"The accident happened just a few kilometres from Mvuma town and if the government, through the ministry of Local Government had ensured that its local authorities have functional fire tenders and ambulances at hospitals, a number of things could have been avoided," he said.
"But due to their negligence in failing to provide these essentials, more people died and I, therefore, say they should be charged together with the driver."
Sibiya, who is currently recovering at a hospital in Bindura, said she endured a night of horror at Mvuma District Hospital, where she was rushed to by well-wishers in the absence of ambulances.
"We were admitted at around 10pm and the resident doctor only attended to me at 8:30am, having slept in pain and without medical attention. The government's neglect for people, who pay taxes, is inhuman and heartless," she said.
MDC-T spokesperson and lawyer, Obert Gutu said it was imperative for the government to also face justice for negligence.
"They want people to comply with traffic rules and regulations, yet they can't maintain roads and these are the biggest threat to road users," he said.
"Potholes and narrow roads such as the Harare-Masvingo Highway have taken more lives than drivers travelling without a fire extinguisher for example."
The government last week declared the accident a national disaster and provided State-assisted funerals for the victims.
Source - newsday
